NHT Classic Zero vs. Mirage Omnisat V2 - for free

[fifthlake]

hello everyone,

I have an opportunity to acquire a set of four satellites and center channel of either the Classic Zeroes or the Onmisat V2s for free. I will get a chance to listen to them, but not for a few days. I currently have some large Cerwin Vega DX-5s for fronts and some cheap JBL (G Movies i think) for surrounds. I like the sound of the Cerwins but they are WAY too big for my girl and I have been thinking about going for the sub/satellite set up for a while.

Can anyone tell me their impressions of the zeroes or omnisats? Will I be able to get decent full range sound in two channel going with a sub/sat setup with either of these two ?

For me music comes first, I feel if the speakers can produce good music, I will be happy with movie performance.

I do like the sound of my Cerwins and I also like Monitor Audio (dad has a Radius setup) and I use to have a set of Def Techs that I liked.

The sub I will have to buy, any thoughts on Mirage S10 or the NHT Ten?

 

[Seth=L]

What are you going to power the speakers with?

 

[j_garcia]

I'd take the Classics and either sub. I am not a big fan of omni-directional speakers. In terms of specs, the two are very similar and both may not yeild the best blend with a sub (71Hz and 70Hz -3dB) as you may need to use a higher crossover (than 80Hz).

The S10 is ported and has good specs, though I have not heard it, it is the way I would probably lean due to it's extension. The NHT sub lists 31Hz -3dB, so I would expect it to be more geared towards music, though that likely means it will be easier to blend with the Zeros.

 

[BGLeduc]

I am a big fan of the AZ's, which I use in my two channel system with an older USA built Klipsch Sub (SW8 II).

My 2CH rig is my toy, and I am continuously tweaking it, swapping other speakers in and out, you name it. I have recently had in that rig Classic 3's, Classic 2's, and PSB Alpha B1's.

I keep going back to my little baby AZ's. The image beautifully, and can play ridiculously loud, particularly give their diminutive size. Horns in particular, given the right recording, seem to just float in air.

Brian

 

[flippo]

Mirage

I have the omnisats and I love them. They blend in fine with my subwoofer and my receivers crossover is set at 80hz. They have a large soundstage and have a presence about them. Of course, omnipolar or bipolar sound might not be your cup of tea, but for me, I love it. They are also very well built and play plenty loud enough (for my room at least).

 

[fifthlake]

Thanks for the help, this still kinda new for me.

I have an Onkyo 605, but I am thinking of upgrading.

It seems for 100 bucks each I can get the NHT Threes instead, but only the Threes. I had a chance to listen to the Zeroes in a surround setup and liked what I heard, so much better than what I currently have!

Will the Three sound much better than the Zeroes? Can I get the Threes and buy some Zeroes for surround?

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, Zeros as surrounds should work fine with Threes up front.

 

[Seth=L]

Yep, the NHTs sound like the better bet.

 

[fifthlake]

Yes, Zeros as surrounds should work fine with Threes up front.

Thanks for the replies. I have learned a lot on this forum the past few days.

I have made the deal for the Classic Threes even though I could not audition them and will not be able to get a refund. It’s a one-time deal, but for $100 ea. I could not pass up. Based upon how the Zeroes sounded to me and reviews I have read I don’t think I will be disappointed.

Two more questions-

I have a limited budget and will have to get the rest for a 5.1 setup in pieces. Should I get the center first, or the two surrounds, or a sub? Will the Threes be able to produce enough bass to get me by for now?

Do I need to get the Three C for a center channel or can I get the Two C instead? The NHT website says there is no problem but I read that it is important to have "driver sizes" that are the same size for 5.1. I believe I understand the importance of this but maybe not. I ask because of the difference in price...I am already going over-budget.

 

[j_garcia]

I haven't heard the Threes yet, but I have heard the SB-3s and they already had a surprising amount of bass for such a small speaker. A sub is pretty much a necessity still though, long term. Yes, having the same drivers will make a small difference, like that last 10% towards achieving that ideal match, but you will likely be fine with the TwoC since it is still from the same family and should be fine timbre wise.

If you place a priority on surround, I'd get the surrounds first, then the sub, then the center. If you feel you need that impact, then I'd go sub, surrounds, center. A good 2.1 setup can carry you a long way.